Crown Point State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the ruins of two fortifications from the colonial wars between the British and French. Long before the American Revolution these colonial powers both laid claim to the Champlain Valley and this strategically important peninsula known as Crown Point. The French built Fort St. Frederic here between 1734 and 1737 and used it as a base for raids on British settlements in New York and New England. As a result, the British mounted various expeditions to take control of Crown Point, and in 1759 they were finally successful. They immediately began construction of new fortifications that they called "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point". Enclosing over seven acres this was one of the largest built by the British in North America.

In 1775, at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the American colonists captured the fort and secured sorely needed cannons and heavy ordnance. Crown Point was occupied by General John Burgoyne's army in 1777 after the American evacuation to Mount Independence and remained under British control until the end of the war. The ruins of Fort St. Frederic, "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point," and surrounding lands were acquired by the State of New York in 1910.

Today, visitors can explore the preserved ruins of these forts and tour the museum which includes a multimedia orientation program, large scale models, and an exhibit of original artifacts recovered from the site by archaeologists. Additionally, the site offers access to the historic Crown Point Pier, the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse, the walking paths on either side of the newly constructed Lake Champlain Bridge, and fantastic views of Lake Champlain. Tours for school and adult groups, as well as outreach programs, are available by reservation.

Pet PolicyDogs on a leash - not exceeding six feet in length. Not permitted in buildings, camping, bathing, and picnic areas except where needed as a seeing eye, guide dog (service dog). Proof of license, tags, and a valid rabies vaccination must be demonstrated.

Hours of Operation

Picnic Shelter: May 7 - October 17. Reservations made through site office.

Fees & Rates

Historic sites charge a vehicle use fee and/or admittance fee at various times and locations throughout the year. A list of fees is available below. For program fees or to verify information, please contact the site directly.

Admission

$4 Adults$3 Seniors/GroupChildren 12 and under Free$35 Non-Profit Buses$75 Commercial Buses
There is no fee to tour the ruins.

The Crown Point BCA is part of the Crown Point State Historic Site. Over 180 species have been observed at the Crown Point BCA. Many of these are spring migrants with 47 species of Neotropical migratory songbirds and 18 species of forest dwelling Neotropical migrants having been observed in spring. A bird banding station has been operated at Crown Point since 1976. During that time 13,442 birds of 97 species have been banded.